The San Francisco 49ers and star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are on shaky ground, but his agent dismissed trade rumors.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Ryan Williams of Athletes First denied a post that claimed Aiyuk requested a trade from the 49ers, writing, “You need better sources.”
Aiyuk — entering the final year of his rookie contract — recently unfollowed the team on Instagram, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
While it’s unclear why he did this, the 26-year-old explained he feels he’s earned an extension on the “Nightcap” podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson in March.
“I’m trying to get what I deserve,” Aiyuk said. “I feel like this season, this season playing football, I figured out who I was as a person and a player, what I bring to the table, what I bring to the locker room, what I bring to the organization. And just the value I hold when I walk in that building.”
Aiyuk is one of the 49ers’ best playmakers. In 16 games last season, he logged 75 receptions for a career-high 1,342 yards and seven touchdown catches, earning a second-team All-Pro nod.
Per Nick Wagoner of ESPN, 49ers general manager John Lynch said the team doesn’t plan to trade Aiyuk and has discussed an extension with him.
Spotrac estimates the 49ers have $7.07M in cap space, 23rd in the NFL. This may explain why they haven’t given the star wideout a new deal. Aiyuk’s market value is a four-year deal worth $24.9M annually, fifth at his position.
Regardless, the 49ers must find a way to retain Aiyuk, as he can help them return to and win a Super Bowl.
